St Ives Liberal Democrats Are Ready for Next General Election

Posted on: 18th February 2022

St Ives Liberal Democrats are getting ready for next General Election, with their candidate, Andrew George selected and raring to go!

Sue talking with Andrew George

“Bring it on” – St Ives Liberal Democrats select Andrew George to fight the next General Election.

St Ives Liberal Democrats have announced that Andrew George has been selected as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the next General Election.

Andrew was MP for the area from 1997-2015 and came close to retaking the seat at subsequent elections: in 2017 he missed out by just 312 votes. He was selected by local Lib Dem members after a competitive ballot in the constituency this week.

Constituency Chair, Marc Hadley, welcomed the result and congratulated Cllr Thalia Marrington, who also stood for election, on her campaign. He said, “It points to the continued vibrancy of our local party that we had a final choice of two very strong candidates for this selection.”

Andrew George said, “I’m humbled and encouraged by the support I’ve received. I’m keen to hear the voices of all, especially those who have been ignored or overlooked. I look forward to working with people across the area to build hope and a brighter future. One founded on kindness, respect, integrity and striving for our children’s future.

“Recent astounding Liberal Democrat by-election victories clearly show that electors have rumbled Mr Johnson’s Conservatives. When the mask slips we see a ‘one-rule-for-us-&-another-for-the-rest-of-you’ elite who’ve been taking the rest of us for fools. I want to help turn things around and return respect, integrity and accountability to public life.”

Marc Hadley said, “We’re now looking forward to getting the parliamentary campaign fully geared up with Andrew. He was a hard-working and well-respected MP for 18 years and continues to enjoy widespread recognition and support across the constituency.”

“Andrew has an impressive track-record of standing up for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It is no coincidence that as soon as he left office the Edward Hain hospital, which he he successfully fought to protect while an MP, was closed and core services undermined. He will put patients before profit for our NHS. Our heroic frontline staff deserve real support, not empty promises.”

“Andrew knows what’s needed to deliver hope for the thousands of local families living in desperate insecurity and housing need.

“Our natural world should be at the very centre of our planning, economy and community life. Andrew has a track record of fighting for our environment and combatting the climate emergency.”

Andrew George said “Bring on the next General Election. It can’t happen soon enough. I’m keen to work with anyone – including across the political divide – who like me wants to seize this chance to restore hope for the future.”

A Bit About Andrew

Background: Born and brought up Mullion (in the Constituency), Schooled Mullion, Cury, Helston; Studied Sussex and Oxford Universities (1977-81); BA, M.Sc (Oxon). Worked in Agriculture, Affordable Housing, Charity support work; Community devt. work; Nottingham; Devon, Cornwall (1981-97); MP St Ives 1997-2015; Currently CEO Cornwall Community Land Trust (2015-present) – Charity, RP, CBS – deliver Affordable housing projects and as consultant for national projects through the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust. Interests incl: All sports – esp. Rugby, Cricket, Football – Treasurer and player Leedstown CC; member Hayle Runners; singing; poetry; walking; ornithology (don’t describe myself as an ornithologist – just keen to learn more); active member of the Wildlife Trust and Trustee of the Friends of the Towans (practical conservation work); volunteer Penzance Street Food Project (inc. Friday lead) 2017-20; gardening. Married – one daughter, one son, one granddaughter.

Political biography: Former MP for St Ives 1997-2015 – Chair LD Parliamentary Environment Team 2010-2015; Member Health (Select) Committee 2010-15; Agric. Comm. 1997-2000; Local Govt. Comm 2007-10; Regional Affairs Comm 1999-2002; PPS to Leader Charles Kennedy 2001-2004; Shadow Agric/Defra Minister1997-2001; Shadow Fisheries Min. 1997-2010; Shadow Int. Devt. Sec. 2004-7; LD member of Coalition (Defra) Ministerial Team 2010-12. Led many successful campaigns incl.: to scrap 50% Council Tax discount for second homes 1997-2000; for supermarket watchdog 2004 -2015. And other campaigns, including: for Safe Nurse Staffing levels on hospital wards; to scrap the Bedroom Tax; for an Affordable Homes investment Bank.; C. Cllr – Heamoor, Madron, Ludgvan, Gulval, Zennor 2021-. Chair/convenor Twenty-twenty Project (with Caroline Lucas, Lisa Nandy, Vince Cable and others) 2015-2019; Chair Save our NHS Cornwall 2017 – present; Chair British Assoc. for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures 2002-present.

Author: The Alternative (with Caroline Lucas, Prof. John Curtis; Lisa Nandy et al) – 2017; Cornwall at the Crossroads (with Dr R. Perry and Dr B Deacon) – 1989); A view from the bottom left-hand corner – 2001; Various guide books on Planning, Housing, Environment.

Andrew is always comfortable campaigning and fighting for our NHS

TO HELP ANDREW BECOME OUR NEXT MP, WE NEED MONEY (TORIES HAVE LOADS OF IT) AND PEOPLE WILLING TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP HIM

To make a one-off donation, click the donate button at the side of this page or send a cheque to St Ives Liberal Democrats at The Orchard, Alverton Road, Penzance, TR18 4TE. Better still, start making regular donations as we need to start raising an additional £1,000/ month to stand any chance of getting Andrew elected. Email me or our Liberal Democrat office (orgainser@stiveslibdems.org.uk) for details of setting up a standing order and/or to become a member. so, ideally we need 25 people to come forward willing to donate £40/ month for the next 2 years but 10 people donating £20/ month, would be a start!

Afraid no honours or national Government contracts can be offered in return, just the chance to have a hard working honest MP!